Guyer’s memorable weekend with Rays ends abruptly

BALTIMORE
— Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Brandon Guyer, who homered in his first major league at-bat Friday night, headed back to the minor leagues Sunday.

The Rays recalled right-hander Rob Delaney from Triple-A Durham and optioned Guyer to the same minor league club.

Recalled from Durham on Friday afternoon, Guyer made history that night when he became the first Tampa Bay player to homer on his first at-bat in his major league debut. Guyer drove a 3-1 pitch from Zach Britton into the left-field seats with a runner on in the second inning.

He went 1 for 3 with two strikeouts before leaving for a pinch hitter. Guyer did not play Saturday, but he packed his bags Sunday with enough memories to last a lifetime.

“It was an awesome experience,” Guyer said.

Obtained in the offseason trade that sent pitcher Matt Garza to the Chicago Cubs, Guyer couldn’t be happier with Tampa Bay.

“I really like this organization,” he said. “If I had stayed in Chicago it’s doubtful I’d have had a chance to come up yet. I know what to do in Durham and I hope to be back this year.”

Guyer wasn’t up for long, but his presence was appreciated by Rays manager Joe Maddon.

“He’s going to be back here,” Maddon said. “I liked him the moment I met him in spring training. He looks you in the eye.”

Maddon said Guyer took the demotion with class.

“First of all, I said, ‘Great job and thank you for what you did for us here, but we’re a little bit short in the bullpen and we have to make a move today. I want you to know you made a great impression on all of us, like you did in spring training,'” Maddon said.

Delaney was 1-0 with a 1.50 ERA in 12 appearances with Durham. Claimed off waivers from Minnesota in January, he has one game of big league experience.